In 2020, Bluetooth 5.2 was introduced with support for a new LE Audio specification. At least two Apple employees are listed as participants in the development of LE Audio, and Apple is likely to adopt the specification for use in future devices.
According to a newly published filing in the Bluetooth SIG database, Apple recently had an unknown component with Bluetooth 5.3 support tested. The filing does not reveal any other notable details, but along with a similar filing last month, it suggests that Apple is preparing for future devices with Bluetooth versions that support LE Audio.
LE Audio would be particularly beneficial for AirPods, such as the second-generation AirPods Pro rumored to launch later this year. Below, we've outlined five benefits that LE Audio would have for future AirPods Pro, assuming that source devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac are also upgraded with support for the specification in the future.
Improved audio quality: LE Audio includes a new low-power audio codec called LC3 that provides improved audio quality compared to the classic SBC codec, even at a 50% lower bit rate, according to the Bluetooth SIG.
Longer battery life: With the low-power LC3 audio codec, future AirPods Pro would have longer battery life for audio playback.
Multi-stream audio: LE Audio would enable the transmission of multiple synchronized audio streams between a source device like an iPhone or Mac and the AirPods Pro. This would allow for an individual left and right AirPod to each have its own Bluetooth audio connection with a device supporting LE Audio for improved reliability.
Connect many pairs of AirPods to an iPhone at once: LE Audio would allow for many pairs of AirPods to directly connect to a future iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other device and play audio simultaneously. Apple already has a feature that allows an iPhone or iPad user with AirPods to share audio with another person with AirPods, but the feature does not work with more than two pairs of AirPods.
No switching between iPhone and Mac required: LE Audio would allow AirPods to connect to multiple source devices like an iPhone and Mac simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch the AirPods between devices.
In July, the Bluetooth SIG said it anticipates availability of products with support for LE Audio to ramp up by the end of 2022.
For the first time in several weeks, Apple has repopulated its Refurbished and Clearance store with a range of iPhone 12 mini models, just days before the smaller form factor is expected to be dropped from Apple's flagship smartphone lineup.
For the upcoming iPhone 14 series, Apple is believed to be removing the 5.4-inch iPhone "mini" size in favor of larger device dimensions. Available options are expected to include a 6.1-inch iPhone 14, a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The 5.4-inch iPhone "mini" size was originally introduced in 2020 with the debut of the iPhone 12 mini, which was greeted with much fanfare for its compact size. The device was followed by last year's iPhone 13 mini, a largely incremental update. Apple still sells both models on its main store page, but despite the smaller devices' clear popularity among enthusiasts, Apple has deemed the form factor to be not popular enough to make a new iteration for the third year running.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will decide to continue offering brand new iPhone mini models after it launches its next-generation flagship iPhone 14 series, and given its successor model has yet to be listed in Apple's refurb store, the returning availability of refurbished iPhone 12 mini units is likely to be noteworthy for consumers who favor the smaller size.
Apple began selling certified refurbished iPhone 12 mini devices in July of this year – a full 21 months after they were originally launched – but demand has made them hard to get hold of for the last several weeks after news of their imminent demise in Apple's upcoming new flagship range.
The iPhone 12 mini provides the same feature set as the iPhone 12, just with a more compact design, 5.4-inch display, and 15 hours of battery life during video playback, while the iPhone 13 mini's upgrades over the iPhone 12 mini are mostly iterative, offering refinements in terms of a brighter display, a smaller notch, performance improvements, and new camera software features.
The more significant upgrades include camera hardware and longer battery life, but at face value there is likely not enough to justify getting the new model over the iPhone 12 for most customers.
In Apple's Refurb store, iPhone 12 mini models are now available for as little as $529 for a 64GB version (a saving of $100), and as much as $659 for a 256GB version (saving $120).
Refurbished iPhones come unlocked and SIM-free. All refurbished iPhones come with a new battery, a new outer shell, and a new white box that includes all manuals and a USB-C to Lightning cable. All refurbished iPhones are covered by Apple's standard one-year warranty and are eligible for extended AppleCare+ coverage.
Apple says its refurbished iPhones are thoroughly tested and cleaned, and in our view, they are virtually indistinguishable from brand new iPhones. One of the only notable differences with a certified refurbished iPhone is that it comes in a plainer box.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 14 series at its "Far Out" media event on Wednesday, September 7. Check out our guide for everything we're expected to see at Apple's upcoming event and be sure to visit MacRumors over the coming week for comprehensive minute-by-minute coverage of all the breaking developments.
A new charging case for the upcoming second-generation AirPods Pro could feature speaker holes, a microphone, and an opening for a lanyard attachment, according to alleged CAD renders of the case shared by AppleInsider's Andrew O'Hara on Twitter.
Alleged CAD of AirPods Pro 2 charging case shared by Andrew O'Hara
O'Hara said he could not verify the accuracy of the renders, but they do line up with previous rumors about the next AirPods Pro charging case.
The new charging case is expected to gain Find My support, allowing users to track the location of the case in the Find My app in the event it is lost or misplaced, even when the AirPods Pro are not placed in the case. Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the case will be able to emit a sound when lost, which would explain the addition of speaker holes.
The renders also show a single hole for what could be a microphone, although it is unclear what it would be used for. One possibility is that the microphone could be used for Apple's accessibility feature Live Listen, which can help someone to hear a conversation in a noisy area or across a room. The case's microphone could take in sound and send it to the AirPods Pro that someone is wearing, making the sound easier to hear.
Last, the renders show a cutout in the right side of the case that is likely intended for a lanyard attachment seen in a previous leak. This feature would make it easier to attach an AirPods Pro case to a keychain without the need for an extra accessory.
It's not obvious from the CADs whether the case has a Lightning connector like the current version or a USB-C port, but rumors suggest the case will stick with Lightning this year and switch to USB-C along with the iPhone 15 next year. The case has also supported MagSafe wireless charging since receiving a minor revision in October 2021.
It's also likely the new AirPods Pro charging case will have IPX4-rated water and sweat resistance like the charging case for the third-generation AirPods. Currently, only the AirPods Pro earbuds have water resistance and not the case.
While the second-generation AirPods Pro are expected to have longer battery life thanks to a more power efficient H2 chip and potentially support for Bluetooth 5.2's low-power LE Audio standard, it's not clear if the battery in the new charging case will be any larger. The current AirPods Pro case is equipped with a 519 mAh battery.
A viral video on Twitter claims that on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro, Apple will let users choose between a single large pill-shape cutout or one pill-shape and one hole-punch design at the top of the display to replace the notch. The video, although possibly convincing, is unlikely to be true.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are expected to include two physical holes at the top of the display to replace the notch: a pill-shaped hole for the TrueDepth camera system and a smaller hole-punch for the selfie camera. More recent leaks have suggested that Apple will digitally merge the two holes into one by turning off the pixels between them to create one larger pill-shaped cutout. Apple is reportedly planning to use the pixels between the holes to display information such as the iOS privacy indicators.
A video that initially originated from Weibo suggests that iPhone 14 Pro users will actually be able to customize the look of the pill shape on the upcoming high-end iPhones. The video showcases an individual toggling a setting that turns on and off the pixels in-between the two physical holes, allowing the user to choose how they wish the top of their iPhone 14 Pro to look.
The legitimacy of the video itself is highly questionable and unlikely to be authentic. The video claims to show an early hands-on look at an actual iPhone 14 Pro device, but multiple aspects of the device shown in the video are clearly out of the realm of what we're expecting, including the actual placements of the pill shape, the thickness of the bezels, and more.
Regardless of the video's legitimacy, the possibility that Apple will give users a choice between the two possible appearances of the pill shape is unlikely. Like the notch on every iPhone since the iPhone X, the pill shape will become an unmistakable aspect of the iPhone's silhouette. Apple is unlikely to let users customize what it considers a visual characteristic of the latest iPhone.
Additionally, a seemingly credible source on the MacRumors forums, who has shared lengthy information on the iPhone 14 Pro in the last several days, has said an option to disable the black pixels between the pill-shape and hole-punch cutouts is not expected to happen. That source initially broke the news on Apple using the pixels between the holes for iOS privacy indicators and is the source behind MacRumors' report earlier today on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro always-on display.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max during an event on Wednesday, September 7, with the tagline "Far out." Alongside new iPhones, we expect an entirely new Apple Watch lineup, including an all-new Apple Watch "Pro." Check out our guide for everything we're expected to see at Apple's upcoming event.
September is here, and you know what that means: new iPhones and Apple Watches! Apple's upcoming media event was naturally the focus of attention this week, with last-minute rumors shaking up some of our expectations.
In addition to iPhone and Apple Watch rumors, we also saw signs that Apple is moving toward launching updated iPad Pro models (though next week's event might be a bit soon for that) while Samsung attempted to troll Apple with a new ad for its latest devices, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!
What to Expect From the September 7 Apple Event: iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8 and More
We're just days away from Apple's annual iPhone media event, and we've rounded up everything we expect to see or might see at Wednesday's "Far Out" event. From the iPhone 14 lineup and multiple new Apple Watch models to other possibilities, Apple will surely have a lot to show off.
As always, MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event across our website, YouTube channel, @MacRumorsLive account on Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms, so be sure to follow us next week for a closer look at all of Apple's announcements.
iPhone 14 Pro Display Cutouts Said to Appear as Single Pill
According to an anonymous tipster in the MacRumors forums, the black space between the pill-shaped and circular cutouts on iPhone 14 Pro models will be used to display privacy indicators — the orange and green dots that indicate when an app is actively using the iPhone's camera and/or microphone.
In a series of tweets, Farrar said T-Mobile's and SpaceX's satellite connectivity announcement last week was likely intended to pre-empt Apple's announcement of its own satellite connectivity feature for the iPhone at its September 7 event, which features the tagline "Far Out" with starry sky artwork.
"This innovation is not coming soon to an iPhone near you," the ad quips, in reference to features already available on Samsung's flagship Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone and foldable Z Flip4.
'Apple Watch Pro' Rumored to Feature Larger 47mm Case Size With Flat Display
The so-called "Apple Watch Pro" will feature a larger 47mm case size with a flat display, according to a recent report from Japanese website Mac Otakara. By comparison, all Apple Watch Series 7 models are available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes.
Other features expected for the "Apple Watch Pro" include a rugged design with a titanium case, longer battery life, an expanded Low Power Mode, an S8 chip, and more.
Major Retailer Preparing for Launch of 2022 iPad Pro Models
While the iPhone and Apple Watch are expected to be the focus of Apple's September event, rumors suggest the company will hold another event in October revolving around the iPad and Mac.
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple plans to bring the classic iOS battery indicator back to the status bar directly on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, taking full advantage of the added screen space at the top of the display thanks to a new pill-shaped notch replacement.
According to information shared with MacRumors and images posted on the MacRumors forums, Apple will bring back the classic iOS battery indicator to the status bar of the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro, which will include the battery percentage and battery icon separate from each other.
While Apple brought the battery percentage back to the status bar in an iOS 16 beta, the battery percentage is placed inside the battery icon and is not separated from it due to limited space at the top of the display.
iOS 16 battery percentage currently on iPhones with a notch
Alongside the classic battery indicator, Apple will rearrange other elements of the iOS status bar on the Lock Screen and notification center for the upcoming iPhones, including moving the cellular signal indicator to the left, according to the latest information.
It's unknown whether the classic battery indicator will be present in the status bar when the device is unlocked and in use, given the need to display the time on the left, reducing the overall amount of available width.
The latest tidbit is one of several new aspects of the iPhone 14 Pro iOS 16 experience we're learning about just days before Apple's "Far out" event. Earlier today, MacRumors reported new details on the always-on display experience for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, including the behavior of the always-on display and different design elements.
Body temperature sensing technology is believed to be the headline upgrade offered by the Apple Watch Series 8 when it debuts at Apple's "Far out" event next week. Thanks to a variety of reports from reliable sources, we have a fairly good idea of how the body temperature health features are expected to work.
The Apple Watch Series 6's rear sensor array that introduced blood-oxygen sensing.
Body temperature monitoring for the Apple Watch has long been rumored by sources like Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, but over the past year rumors have crystalized around the feature finally debuting on the Apple Watch Series 8 later this year. Contrary to the hopes of some observers hoping to be able to check their body temperature or get notifications if they have a fever, it looks like the feature may be significantly more limited at launch.
Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman state that the body temperature sensor is primarily designed to aid fertility planning, giving women insights into their ovulation cycle, and could be used to improve the detection of patterns when tracking sleep. Apple significantly bolstered the Apple Watch's sleep tracking capabilities in watchOS 9, so further improvements in this area aided by hardware this year seem plausible.
MacRumors Apple Watch concept depicting exact body temperature reading capabilities, a feature that is unlikely to be present on the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple is also said to have plans to enable the body temperature sensor to detect when a user has a fever, but it seems unlikely that this feature will be available upon the launch of the Apple Watch Series 8. Gurman believes that further in the future, Apple Watch models could determine if a user has a higher than normal body temperature, but it is still unlikely to show an exact measurement. All in all, this suggests that the body temperature sensor that comes with the Apple Watch Series 8 may not be quite what some users have come to expect.
According to Kuo, Apple originally intended to offer a body temperature measurement feature with the Apple Watch Series 7 models, but the company shelved the plans when the body temperature algorithm it had developed failed to meet requirements before the device entered the engineering validation testing (EVT) phase last year.
The problems Apple has experienced relating to body temperature measurement purportedly relate to the fact that skin temperature quickly varies based on the environment, and since a smartwatch cannot monitor core body temperature using hardware, the feature is heavily dependent on an algorithm that produces accurate results. This likely explains why the body temperature sensing capabilities of the Apple Watch may be limited when the Series 8 launches later this year.
Last month, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple a patent for a temperature sensing system conspicuously related to the Apple Watch, including a "high-precision and high-accuracy absolute temperature sensor." Apple's patent protects an electronic device housing that encloses a temperature sensing system comprising a temperature sensor and a differential temperature probe.
Illustration from Apple's "Temperature gradient sensing in electronic devices" patent filing.
The system works by calculating the difference between two ends of a probe. One end touches the surface to be measured, while the other is connected to a temperature sensor. The voltage delta across the different ends of the probe can then be correlated to a differential temperature measurement.
It is not clear if the exact technology outlined in the patent is related to the body temperature sensor that is expected to be used in the Apple Watch Series 8. It is also possible that Apple plans to use a proprietary system from Rockley Photonics, a British health technology startup that has created a sensor system designed for wearable devices that includes a core body temperature sensor.
Rockley Photonics' advanced digital sensor system.
Last year, it was revealed that Apple is the largest customer of Rockley Photonics. Rockley's financial filings said that Apple accounted for the majority of its revenue over the last two years and that it has an ongoing "supply and development agreement" with the company, under which it expects to continue to heavily rely on Apple for most of its revenue. Rockley previously said that it expects its technology to be used in consumer smartwatches in 2022, which could align to the launch of the Apple Watch Series 8.
Beyond a body temperature sensor, the Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to feature the S8 chip and a Low Power Mode to prolong battery life. The device is highly likely to be unveiled at Apple's event on Wednesday, September 7.
The iPhone 14 Pro will feature unique behavior on the Lock Screen and significant changes to the status bar thanks to its always-on display, according to a source that spoke to MacRumors.
The source behind the latest wave of information was responsible for the bombshell leak earlier this week that claimed the iPhone 14 Pro's display cutouts will appear to have a single, unified "pill" at the top of the display, rather than two distinct cutouts.
According to new information from the source shared exclusively with MacRumors, iOS 16's Lock Screen will directly interact with the iPhone 14 Pro's always-on display, featuring integration with notifications and the depth effect and colors of wallpapers.
The iPhone 14 Pro's status bar will also purportedly see changes as a result of the increased amount of usable space at the top of the display, moving the cellular signal indictor to the left and re-implementing the full-width battery status bar on the Lock Screen and notification center when the device is locked.
The source shared several graphics allegedly based on information from Apple that illustrate some of the iPhone 14 Pro's software changes on the MacRumors forums and has since provided further information. The iPhone 14 Pro will apparently feature the following features and specific changes:
The background of Lock Screen wallpapers with a depth effect will be removed and fully darkened when the display is in its always-on mode, while the foreground will be dimmed. In addition, the foreground will be tinted with color and feature edge highlights depending on user customization.
Widgets will be visible on the always-on display but will fade in and out at set intervals, unnoticeable to the user, to prevent OLED burn-in.
Content shown on the always-on Lock Screen and the full-illuminated Lock Screen must be configured in the same way and cannot be separated, meaning that they have to share the same wallpaper, color choices, fonts, and widgets. The core visual elements of the always-on display itself can be independently customized.
Notifications will be part of the iPhone 14 Pro's always-on display experience, and like on the normal Lock Screen, notifications will roll in from the bottom one at a time and remain subtly visible for 10 seconds. Once the display is woken up, the notifications will animate from the bottom and proceed to the user-defined setting of how notifications are presented on the Lock Screen (such as count, stack, or list).
Apple may also allow users to enable a notification counter at the bottom of the always-on display.
Apple is also said to be planning to release an update, such as iOS 16.0.1 or 16.1, soon after the launch of the iPhone 14 Pro that will include fixes for issues with the device’s always-on display and wallpapers. While the company is now in the feature’s final stages of development, it is reportedly still encountering bugs and is scrambling software engineers from different teams, including the Apple Watch, to finish the always-on display experience before launch.
The iPhone 14 Pro lineup is expected to be revealed at the Apple's "Far out" event on Wednesday, September 7. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are likely to be available for pre-order on Friday, September 9, and start arriving to customers on Friday, September 16.
Verizon plans to become the first U.S. carrier to include Apple One as a free perk with an eligible plan alongside the launch of iPhone 14 models later this month, according to information obtained by MacRumors from a carrier source.
Apple One will likely be included with Verizon's most expensive "5G Get More" unlimited data plan, which costs $90 per month for one person. The fully-loaded plan already includes Apple Music, the option of Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, 600GB of Verizon Cloud storage, and more as free perks. It's unclear if existing subscribers will receive Apple One or if the offer will be for new customers only.
Following in the footsteps of British carrier EE, Verizon will likely offer Apple One's individual tier, which normally costs $14.95 per month and includes Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and iCloud+ with 50GB of storage.
It's unclear exactly when Verizon plans to share this news, but the carrier will likely make an announcement at some point in September alongside Apple's introduction of iPhone 14 models. Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8, and more during an event at Steve Jobs Theater on September 7, and the devices should go on sale by September 16 in the U.S. and many other countries.
Verizon offering Apple One with an eligible plan could help to attract customers to the carrier heading into the holiday shopping season. The deal could also further bolster Apple's services business, which set a June quarter record with $19.6 billion revenue and was the company's second largest revenue source behind iPhone sales.
The iPhone 14 Pro is expected to mark the beginning of the end for the notch on the iPhone, as it's expected to feature a pill-shaped cutout at the top of the display. While we may be only days away from the launch of the new iPhone, some users might be interested to get an early feel for what the new cutout will look like in person, and now you can do just that.
Despite plenty of concepts and leaks about the pill-shape notch replacement on the iPhone 14 Pro, there is nothing like seeing and feeling what it looks like right in your hand. Thanks to images created by concept designer Ian Zelbo, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users can get a sense of how the iPhone 14 Pro with the new display cutout will look and feel in the hand.
Shared on Twitter, images include a rough estimate of what rumors suggest will be the size of the pill-shape on the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, respectively. The images are sized to allow iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users to view their respective images full-sized, flip their phone, and get an early hands-on iPhone 14 Pro experience.
An image for the iPhone 13 Pro Max can be found below, and an iPhone 13 Pro image here (note that the image has a slightly wider aspect ratio based on leaked iPhone 14 Pro schematics).
While it may look like a single large pill-shaped cutout in the display, there are actually two cutouts in the physical display. Credible rumor suggests that Apple will digitally merge the pill-shape and hole-punch cutouts to create one larger pill shape at the top of the display. Apple is reportedly planning to use the space between the two physical holes to add useful information such as iOS privacy indicators, while a rumored redesign of the Camera app will wrap controls around the new cutout.
Every flagship iPhone since the iPhone X has featured a notch, with the iPhone XS, iPhone 11, and iPhone 12 all featuring the same sized notch. Apple made the notch smaller with the iPhone 13, and it's expected to move on completely from the notch design in just a few days. Other than the pill-shaped notch replacement, Apple is planning other significant new features for the high-end iPhone 14 models, including an always-on display, a 48MP camera, better battery life, and more.
Apple is widely expected to announce the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro, and an entirely new Apple Watch lineup during an event planned for Wednesday, September 7, with the tagline "Far Out." For a full rundown of everything we expect from Apple's fall event, check out our guide.
Labor Day deals kicked off this week, and remain ongoing as we head into the long weekend. Alongside these discounts, we've got a few all-time low sales on Apple products like AirPods Max, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air to highlight in this week's best deals.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Labor Day Sales
What's the deal? Save on Apple accessories this weekend.
Where can I get it? Nomad, Pad & Quill, Twelve South, more.
Labor Day is coming up on September 5, and many retailers have kicked off sales that you can shop over the long weekend. You can find the full list of the sales in our original article, but we've collected a few of the best sales below as well.
The AirPods Max hit their Amazon all-time low price of $429.00 this week, down from $549.00. You can get this sale in four colors: Green, Pink, Silver, and Sky Blue.
The popular Apple TV 4K summer discount has continued into September, with Amazon offering the 32GB model for $119.99, down from $179.00. You can also get the 64GB version for $139.99, down from $199.00.
Massive $400 discounts arrived for most of the 2021 MacBook Pro models this week, including both 14-inch and 16-inch notebooks. You can get the 1TB 14-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.00, the 512GB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,099.00, and the 1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,299.00. All of these sales represent $400 markdowns and lowest-ever prices.
Similar to MacBook Pro, this week we also saw a match of the record low price on the M2 MacBook Air. The 256GB model is on sale for $1,099.00, down from $1,199.00 on Amazon. B&H Photo is matching this price in both Space Gray and Midnight colors.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.
Apple's annual iPhone-centric fall event is set to begin on Wednesday, September 7, and unlike last year, there will be an in-person component with members of the media invited to test out new devices. We've been hearing rumors about the next-generation iPhones for many months now, so we know the ins and outs of what to expect.
This guide highlights everything that we're expecting to see (and some more distant possibilities) at the September event based on rumors that we've heard so far.
The biggest change to the iPhone 14 is the elimination of the 5.4-inch iPhone mini, which is being discontinued due to lackluster sales. The iPhone 13 mini will be the last iPhone at the 5.4-inch size, but there are still four iPhones coming this year.
Apple is replacing the 5.4-inch iPhone with a larger 6.7-inch model, so we can expect to see the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, the 6.7-inch "iPhone 14 Plus" or "iPhone 14 Max," the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. For much of the rumor cycle, the standard 6.7-inch iPhone in the works was assumed to be called the iPhone 14 Max after the Pro Max naming scheme, but rumors now suggest that it could instead be called the iPhone 14 Plus.
Aside from the new size, the standard iPhone 14 models are going to look almost identical to the iPhone 13 models, with most of the changes reserved for the more expensive Pro models. There will be no design changes and the Face ID notch will remain, nor are the iPhone 14 models expected to adopt ProMotion technology.
In fact, rumors suggest the iPhone 14 and 14 Max aren't even going to get an updated A-series chip, and will continue to use the A15 that was in the iPhone 13 models. The iPhone 14 models are more of an iPhone 13S refresh, but there are a few new features that are coming.
The iPhone 14 models are getting the upgraded Ultra Wide camera that came to last year's iPhone 13 models, and they'll also have an upgraded front-facing camera with wider f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities.
We're expecting 6GB RAM, up from 4GB, and all of the iPhone 14 models are rumored to feature an updated Snapdragon X65 10 Gigabit 5G modem from Qualcomm. The X65 modem enables some satellite connectivity features, so there have been rumors that Apple is going to implement satellite-based emergency features that will let users send texts in emergency situations and report major emergencies in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
WiFi 6E support is coming, and there's rumored to be a new purple color that will join black, white, red, and blue. Pricing is expected to stay the same, starting at $799.
While minor changes are coming to the standard iPhone 14 models, the Pro line is getting a much more significant update. The 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes aren't changing, but Apple is rumored to be getting rid of the notch.
Rather than the notch, Apple is implementing a pill-shaped cutout and a hole-punch cutout, both of which will house the front-facing camera and the TrueDepth system needed for Face ID. Though these are two distinct cutouts, Apple plans to combine them into one long pill-shaped notch using software.
The space between the two cutouts will be blacked out when the iPhone is in use, making the cutouts indistinguishable from one another. With this design, it will look like one cutout rather than two different-sized cutouts, which will make for a more streamlined look.
Rumors suggest that Apple will use the space between the cutouts for microphone and camera indicator lights, but the area between the cutouts will otherwise be black and will appear as a single cutout.
The iPhone 14 Pro models are rumored to include a 1Hz to 120Hz ProMotion display, which will enable a long-awaited Always-On Display function that's expected to work similarly to the Apple Watch always-on display.
The front-facing camera will feature the same wider f/1.9 aperture and autofocus capabilities as the regular iPhone 14. There will be a larger, more prominent camera bump to accommodate a new 48-megapixel Wide lens with a 21 percent larger sensor that supports higher-resolution images and 8K video recording, marking one of the biggest camera updates we've seen on the iPhone line in years.
The telephoto lens will be upgraded from a 6-element lens to a 7-element lens, and we could also see improvements to the Ultra Wide camera. 6GB RAM is expected, the same as the iPhone 13 Pro models, and we are counting on a faster Snapdragon X65 10 Gigabit 5G modem, WiFi 6E, and up to 2TB storage space. A new purple color could join the graphite, gold, and silver options.
With so many upgrades, the iPhone 14 Pro models could have a higher starting price, with Apple perhaps increasing prices by approximately $100. If that happens, the iPhone 14 Pro would start at $1,099 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max would start at $1,199, but no specific details on pricing are known at this time.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to look like the Apple Watch Series 7, with no notable design changes. Apple will continue to offer 41 and 45mm size options, and the S8 chip inside is expected to offer the same performance as the S7.
What we may get is a new temperature sensing feature that's able to detect changes in body temperature. To start with, it'll be used for fertility planning, but future versions of the Apple Watch could alert you if you have a higher than normal body temperature.
Measuring body temperature from skin is not as accurate as getting a core body temperature reading so the Apple Watch Series 8 is not likely to provide a specific temperature number, instead just monitoring changes over time.
Car crash detection may make it into the Apple Watch Series 8, with the feature mirroring fall detection. The accelerometer would detect a spike in gravitational force and would then alert emergency services if necessary.
There could be updates to activity tracking, though what specifically we don't know, and Apple is working on an updated low power mode. The updated low power mode would allow more functions to work while battery life is being preserved, rather than simply limiting all features.
Apple Watch Pro
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 models, Apple is planning to launch a higher-end "Apple Watch Pro," though it may sport a different name. The "pro" version of the Apple Watch will have an updated design that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described as an "evolution of the current rectangular shape."
It will be larger than the current 45mm Apple Watch Series 7, and will feature a display that measures in at two inches diagonally, up from the 1.9-inch diagonal screen size of the 45mm Apple Watch. The display will have a resolution of 410 x 502, and the extra display area could be used to show additional fitness metrics on a single screen.
The Apple Watch Pro isn't just a higher-end version of the Apple Watch, it's also more rugged and is aimed at those who need more protection for extreme sports and other intensive activities. It will be made from a titanium alloy that is better able to hold up to abuse, and it will have a shatter resistant display.
Because the Apple Watch Pro is expected to be larger than the Series 8 models, it will accommodate a bigger battery and could thus support longer battery life for longer workout times. With the low power mode, it could even last for more than one day before needing to be recharged.
Aside from the new design and the larger body, the Apple Watch Pro is expected to include all of the same features as the Series 8. It will be more expensive, perhaps priced somewhere in the range of $900 to $1000.
Apple Watch SE
A new version of the affordable Apple Watch SE is in the works and is expected to debut alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, but there's no word on what new features it might include. We can perhaps expect a faster processor and an always-on display, a feature originally introduced with the Series 6.
The AirPods Pro haven't been refreshed since their 2019 launch, but a new version is in the works for 2022. While there has been uncertainty about when the new AirPods Pro will launch, a late rumor from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says they will be appearing at this week's event.
Early rumors suggested that Apple might go with a smaller, stemless design, but more recent information has indicated a design that's similar to the current design with silicone ear tips and a stem.
The charging case is rumored to have speaker holes so it is able to play a sound when the AirPods are lost, and that will go along with improved Find My integration. The AirPods 3 acoustics will bring improved sound, and there's going to be an updated H1 chip with self-adaptive noise cancellation capabilities.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the AirPods Pro will feature support for Apple Lossless (ALAC) audio. No AirPods have Lossless audio support because the AirPods function over Bluetooth, so for the AirPods to play higher-quality Lossless audio files, Apple would need a non-Bluetooth solution.
Apple is rumored to be transitioning to USB-C across its product lineup, but this year's AirPods Pro are expected to continue to feature a Lightning port.
Other Possibilities
While new iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods already should make for a jam-packed event, there also new iPads in the works, but it is not clear if Apple will introduce these devices at the September event or save them for a second event that could potentially happen in October.
Apple is developing a new low-cost iPad, which could have an updated design that brings it more in line with the iPad mini 6. Rumors and leaked renders suggest the tablet will have flat edges and rounded corners, though it will continue to have a Touch ID Home button and thicker bezels than other iPads.
A mockup of the potential 10th-generation iPad design by Renders By Shailesh
It will include a 10.5-inch display, a USB-C port, a faster A14 chip, a single-lens rear camera, 5G connectivity, and a front-facing camera, but no headphone jack. Pricing is expected to remain affordable.
The 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are expected to see a refresh this year, and the main update will be a faster M2 chip. The M2 chip was first used in the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it will bring speed and efficiency improvements over the M1 in the current iPad Pro models.
There were rumors that the 11-inch iPad Pro might get a mini-LED display, but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen because of cost issues and supply constraints.
The iPad Pro is rumored to feature a version of MagSafe wireless charging much like the iPhone, perhaps through a larger glass Apple logo that could facilitate the charging feature. Reverse wireless charging is also a possibility, so the iPad could be used to charge other devices as well.
Rumors of a new Apple Pencil have popped up here and there, but it's not looking like we're going to get a refreshed Apple Pencil this year as there hasn't been new information on that front for quite some time.
How to Watch
The iPhone 14 event will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will live stream the event on its website and on YouTube.
For those unable to watch, MacRumors will have live coverage of the event both on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
For this week's giveaway, we're once again teaming up with ColorWare to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a set of custom-painted third-generation AirPods, available in hundreds of unique color combinations.
ColorWare is a customization company that's been offering custom painted devices, electronics, and accessories for many years. ColorWare provides unique painting options and skins for everything from consoles to iPhones to earbuds like the AirPods.
Custom-colored third-generation AirPods can be purchased from ColorWare for $319 for just the AirPods, or $369 for the AirPods and the Wireless Charging Case together. There's a premium price tag for ordering from ColorWare, but it's the only way to get AirPods in a color other than white because Apple doesn't offer alternate color options like black.
ColorWare offers both solid and metallic color options, with gloss and matte finishes to top it off. You can get the traditional black, gold, or silver colors to match Apple's devices, but there are also colors in every shade of the rainbow. If you want AirPods in yellow, orange, teal, green, deep purple, blue, pink, or one of dozens of other colors, ColorWare is the company to go with.
ColorWare even has an Illusion finish for the AirPods in multi-chrome colors that shift depending on the lighting in the room, and a holographic black glitter SuperNova version.
Each AirPod can be custom painted in the same color as the case or you can order the case and the earbuds all in different colors, so there are tons of color combinations to choose from.
ColorWare has been offering custom painted devices since 1998, so the company has perfected the painting process. ColorWare uses a multi-step coating process that includes a primer, the application of a proprietary color formula, and an X2 liquid plastic coating that protects the color. The custom painting is guaranteed for 12 months or 24 months with the purchase of an additional warranty.
ColorWare uses standard AirPods from Apple and paints them, which leaves the full AirPods functionality intact. There's an H1 chip for quick and easy pairing, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, and more.
We have three sets of custom-painted third-generation AirPods and Wireless Charging case to give away, with each winner able to choose the color and finish of their choice. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (September 2) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The winners will be chosen randomly on September 9 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
Apple Watch Series 7 models are currently widely unavailable from Apple's online store, with only a handful of model and watch band configurations available to order as Apple clears stock of existing models to make way for new Apple Watches next week. Depending on case size, finish, and watch band, customers may find a few select Apple Watch models available for purchase.
The widespread unavailability of the current latest Apple Watch comes just days ahead of when Apple is expected to significantly expand the Apple Watch lineup with the addition of the Series 8, a new "Pro" Watch, and an updated second-generation Apple Watch SE. Alongside new Apple Watch models, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro during its "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7.
Content creator Sam Kohl, known as "iupdate" on YouTube, returns on The MacRumors Show podcast this week to talk through our final expectations for Apple's long-awaited "Far out" event.
We discuss the iPhone 14 Pro's rumored pill-shaped cutout, always-on display mode, satellite connectivity, and 48-megapixel Wide camera with 8K video recording. We also explore some of the key rumors around the "iPhone 14 Plus," Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch "Pro," second-generation Apple Watch SE, and tenth-generation iPad, and touch on debates around Apple event invites, naming conventions, USB-C replacing the Lightning port, and more. See Sam's work on his YouTube channel "iupdate" and follow him on Twitter @iupdate.
Today we're tracking a set of deals on accessories for the iPad and iPad Pro, including the best-ever price on the Apple Pencil 2, as well as solid markdowns on the Magic Keyboards for the iPad Pro.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple Pencil 2
The Apple Pencil 2 has returned to $99.00 on Amazon today, down from $129.00. This remains the best price we've ever tracked for the Apple Pencil 2, and right now only Amazon is offering the discount.
The accessory is available to ship today, with a delivery estimate between September 4 and 7 for most places in the United States.
Magic Keyboard
Additionally, a few Magic Keyboard accessories for the iPad Pro lineup are on sale on Amazon. You can get the 11-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $249.00, down from $299.00.
You can also get the 12.9-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $299.00, down from $349.00. Both of these accessories launched in 2021 and feature a trackpad, USB-C port, backlit keys, and a floating cantilever design.
For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
We're just a few days away from when Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch "Pro," an entirely new Apple Watch explicitly designed for athletes and customers who want a more robust and durable Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch "Pro" has been described as a "rugged" Apple Watch that will feature a new design, a larger display and battery, and more durable materials to make it more suitable for athletes and those who are active. Those improvements won't come without an additional cost, however, with the new model priced above most versions in the current lineup.
The new Apple Watch will likely sit at the higher end of the Apple Watch lineup, likely replacing the Apple Watch Edition as the more expensive model in the lineup. To make things easier, we've put together a quick comparison chart comparing the Apple Watch Edition and the Apple Watch "Pro" below.
Apple Watch Series 7 Edition
Case Material: Titanium
Case Design: Rounded edges and curved display around the sides
Sizes: 41mm or 45mm
Display Material: Sapphire front crystals
Health Features: ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate notifications
Special Features: None
Price: $799 - $849
Apple Watch 'Pro'
Case Material: Stronger titanium alloy with improved impact resistance
Case Design: "An evolution of the current rectangular shape," according to Bloomberg'sMark Gurman
Knowing what you know now, we want to know how much you would be willing to pay for an Apple Watch "Pro." Let us know in the comments below, and check out our guide for everything we know about the upcoming Apple Watch lineup.
Some Apple Studio Display owners have taken to online forums to complain that their monitors make a high-pitched buzzing sound that appears to be emanating from the top of the screen or behind it, and may be being caused by electrical interference.
There are complaints on Twitter, Reddit and the Apple Support Community dating back to June, and more recently on the MacRumors forums, about the issue, which is variously described as an "electrical buzzing" and "constant ringing" that is "loud," "high-pitched," and "very annoying."
Several owners have found that the sound is not fan-related and only happens when a MacBook Pro or iPad is plugged into the Studio Display. Some have also noted that the noise can vary in intensity and pitch depending on the time of day, suggesting an electrical shielding issue may be the cause of the fault.
"I'm experiencing a very annoying high-pitched buzzing sound with my Studio Display, I've spoken to others on Twitter who also have the problem and I've had Apple support on the case but nothing was resolved.
[...]
"It's not the fans, it's a distinct (and very annoying) sound that emanates from the rear area of the display, roughly where the power supply is positioned.
"I'm 90% certain the display is picking up interference from somewhere and amplifying it, maybe through the house power circuit but I can't be sure. Someone I spoke to believes the PSU is poorly shielded but I have no idea if that's true either."
Some users have suggested the Apple Studio Display picks up interference from electric car chargers. In the case of MacRumors reader Indominus, they tracked the source of the interference back to Lutron Caseta light dimmers that are installed in their house.
"Whenever the dimmer is turned on, the buzzing noise starts coming out from the ASD. The dimmers are not even on the same breaker as my ASD. The only thing I can think of is that the dimmers are creating electrical noise that is propagating to the electrical panel which then propagates to the ASD.
Now it's one thing that the dimmers are creating electrical noise. But it's another thing that only the ASD is reacting to this noise. I don't hear this electrical noise coming out of any other thing in my house. It appears to be an issue with the ASD power supply. Whether it's a problem with the specific display I have or the choice of components in the design of the ASD power supply, I do not know.
MacRumors reader uller6 relayed a similar experience:
"I had the same issue unfortunately. I spent a couple hours on the phone with Apple support/engineering, and we came to the exact same conclusion you did: the ASD is poorly shielded against dirty RF line noise, which is propagated through the power supply to the fan control circuit, producing an audible buzz. In my case running my air conditioning on a different circuit caused the ASD to buzz loudly. I ended up returning my display and have not purchased another."
Other users say they have tried electrical power filters to resolve the issue but to no avail, and some have received one or more replacement units from Apple that were similarly affected.
It's not clear how widespread the issue is, but Apple appears to be aware of the problem affecting some Studio Display owners, although a solution has not yet been found. It's worth noting that this is a separate Studio Display issue to the widespread speaker problem that Apple eventually fixed with a firmware update. Have you found the display to be over-sensitive to electrical interference? Let us know in the comments.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
The Apple Watch Series 6's rear sensor array that introduced blood-oxygen sensing.
MacRumors Apple Watch concept depicting exact body temperature reading capabilities, a feature that is unlikely to be present on the Apple Watch Series 8.
Illustration from Apple's "Temperature gradient sensing in electronic devices" patent filing.
Rockley Photonics' advanced digital sensor system.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
